Cabinet shake up shows Najib’s shrinking sense of security, says law prof

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s move to reshuffle the Cabinet will not inspire confidence, says law professor Eugene Tan of Singapore Management University. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, July 29, 2015

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s move to reshuffle the Cabinet shows his shrinking sense of security and a determined attempt to clamp down on dissent, especially within his administration and Umno, says a law professor.

Speaking to The Straits Times, Eugene Tan of Singapore Management University said the latest turn of events will not inspire confidence and only raised concerns about the political stability of Malaysia.

He was commenting on the sacking of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as deputy prime minister, Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal as rural and regional development minister, among others.

Muhyiddin and Shafie have been critical of Putrajaya’s handling of the crisis surrounding 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), the state investment vehicle laden with an RM42 billion debt.

The 68-year-old Muhyiddin was widely expected to be dropped after he renewed his criticism of 1MDB at the Cheras Umno division annual meeting on Sunday.

On Muhyiddin’s removal, Najib said it was a "difficult decision" but one he had to make to ensure that the cabinet operated as a collective unit.

“The cabinet must act as one solid team. I welcome vigorous debate, and can accept dissent and criticism. However, this process should take place in cabinet as part of the decision-making process.

“Members of the cabinet should not air their differences in an open forum that can affect public opinion against the government and Malaysia. It is contrary to the concept of collective responsibility that is the foundation of cabinet government.

"It is also against the concept of collective responsibility," Najib said in his announcement broadcast on TV1.

- TMI